When should they be watered ? 15 

WATER AND REST 
As a rule, potted succulents may be watered often throughout the 
summer months after which they should be lightly watered each 
month to keep the roots from drying out. Desert types should be 
segregated so that they will receive less water. It is always best to 
give the plants a thorough watering and then allow them to become 
nearly dry before watering again. Roots allowed to become too dry 
rot off due to their inability to absorb moisture. Surface watering 
does not reach the roots and surface-root growth should be avoided. 
Succulent plants must be watered differently than other house plants 
which bear true leaves. Do not water on cold days. 
Cultivated plants require more water because of their smaller root 
systems which dry out quickly, especially when potted in porous clay 
pots. With large pots, there 1s a danger of keeping the pots too 
damp, which results in a sour soil and rotting of the roots. It is 
advisable to use smaller pots and a lighter soil which will remain 
porous. When plants show signs of growth they should be watered 
more freely. Always be governed by the condition of your plants. 
It is easy to see when they are growing; the head of the plant be- 
Many of the other succu- 
lents are grown because of 
their unique shapes rather 
than for the more spectacu- 
lar flowers found among 
the cacti. This Stone Face 
(Pleiospilos bolusii) must 
not be over watered during 
its dormant season. 

comes lighter green and takes on a waxy appearance, while fresh, 
white wool and new spines form and the whole plant takes on a 
“lively” look. This is a sign for more water—not too much at first, 
